The Expungement Process
Expungement is the process of having a criminal record sealed and destroyed. Once a record is expunged, it cannot be accessed by anyone other than law enforcement. If an employer requests your criminal history, they would only see that you have no convictions or arrests on file. This can lead to better opportunities for those who are trying to get back into the workforce after an arrest or conviction.
Some people wonder if expungement is worth it because there may still be records kept in some law enforcement databases that will show past arrests and any prior convictions. However, these records do not show up when someone does a standard background check using their name and date of birth at most online search engines such as Google.
If you have been arrested for a crime but never convicted, then this article may prove beneficial in providing information about Minnesota’s laws regarding expungements.
The Effects of a Criminal Record
If you have a criminal record, it could be hurting you more than you think.
A criminal record can affect your ability to get a job. Over 70% of employers conduct background checks on applicants—and most will not hire applicants with certain types of convictions.
It can prevent you from getting a loan. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, chances are that your credit application will be denied—even if it was just for unpaid parking tickets or other minor offenses.
It can affect your ability to rent an apartment or buy a house. Even if the landlord doesn’t run a background check on his tenants (which is becoming less common), many landlords do require that prospective renters provide references from previous landlords who were satisfied with their performance as tenants.
A Criminal Record and Employment
Did you know that having a criminal record could be preventing you from participating in certain professions? If so, it may be time to begin thinking about expungement. Did you know that there are many jobs where an expungement could open up employment opportunities for you?
It’s true! There are plenty of careers out there that will not consider someone with a criminal record or even require one. This is because they want to ensure their employees are good people and have clean records. An expungement can help clear your name and show employers that you’re serious about getting back into the workforce after being convicted of a crime earlier in life.
Not only does this benefit the individual involved, but society as well by contributing positively towards society through their work ethic rather than being held back by mistakes made years ago.
It’s no secret that having a criminal record can affect your career. The stigma of a criminal record can be so damaging that even if you’re qualified for a job and have the right experience, you might not be able to get it because of your past. But did you know that having a criminal record could also be preventing you from participating in certain professions?
Many jobs require state licenses or federal certification and will not allow someone with a felony conviction to apply for them, such as:
- Lawyer
- Physician
- Pharmacist
- Accountant
The above are just some examples of professions where having even one misdemeanor on your record could prevent you from being able to practice legally.
Knowing About Expungement
The more you know about the expungement laws in Minnesota, the better prepared you will be to move forward with your life. Expungement law is one of the most complicated legal areas and involves many varying variables. It’s important to understand how to navigate these procedures and what your rights are as an individual. Knowing what you can do and what you can’t do will help ensure that your expungement request or motion is successful.
If you have been convicted of a crime, an expungement can increase your chances of getting a job. An expungement can help you get a better job and can help you get more money at your current job or qualify for higher-paying jobs in the future.
Expungement Attorney in Eden Prairie MN
We can help you sort through the complicated rules and regulations, but if you’re not sure if an expungement is right for you—or if it’s even possible—don’t hesitate to call us at Lauren Campoli Criminal Defense in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. We’ll do our best to answer any questions you have and explain how the process works in terms of clearing your record. It’s not just about clearing your criminal record; it’s about giving yourself a fresh start in life and moving past bad choices so that you can get back on track with your goals and dreams. We look forward to hearing from you!